You’re determined to dive into the top book on your teetering TBR pile, so you grab the paperback (or fire up your kindle), sit down in your favourite reading-nook, open the front page and…
…your eyes skim the first chapter without really taking anything in. Too much focus is needed right now, so you put it down and pick up your phone instead.
Maybe ten minutes on BookTok, Bookstagram, BookTube or BookTWT will help?
A reading slump (also sometimes called Book Burnout), is a period during which a person finds it difficult to find their usual pleasure from reading. Even when the reader might want to pick up a book, they find that they lack the motivation or focus to stick with it, and can’t seem to ‘get into’ any of the titles they try to start.
This is the notorious reading slump—a place we’ve all found ourselves in more times than we’d like to admit.
Whether you’re in need of a light-hearted escape, a thrilling adventure, or a thought-provoking journey, there’s a book out there waiting to reignite your passion for reading.
Let’s turn your reading rut into a distant memory.
Related Reading: What Should I Read Next? 7 Strategies to Choose Your Next Read
Several factors can contribute to a reading slump. Half the battle is often knowing what might have triggered the challenge in the first place, so that we can guard against it happening again. Here are the most common reasons that folks struggle to keep up with their reading goals:
Overcoming a reading slump often involves addressing these underlying causes – which is what we’ll look at next.
Reading slumps catch even the most enthusiastic of readers off guard, and I’m no exception.
Life throws curveballs, and distractions multiply like rabbits on Red Bull. Suddenly, spending Saturday morning cracking open a book feels like scaling Mount Everest in flip-flops. This is when I try to remember that I shouldn’t beat myself up for feeling unmotivated, especially after a particularly busy week at work.
Even the mightiest trees need occasional periods of dormancy to rejuvenate.
Think about it—no one expects a marathon runner to run every day. So, why should our reading journey be any different? Accepting a reading break is acknowledging that sometimes, even the most voracious readers need to put the bookmark down.
Trying to push through a reading slump is about as effective (and amusing) as feeding a cat broccoli—both an exercise in futility and a bewildering spectacle. (Just… please, don’t ask me how I know this).
Instead of drowning in a sea of should-haves, consider this slump as your personal intermission. It’s not a detour, it’s a pit stop for your intellect. Think of this time as an opportunity to ‘snack on’ (read: explore) other passions, or maybe do absolutely nothing at all.
It’s a chance to let your mind wander and to explore the vast, uncharted territories of daydreams, hobbies, or even doing absolutely nothing (which, contrary to the ‘rise and grind’ brigade, is not a waste of time when it’s mindfully done!)
When the time is right, and you feel that itch to return to the world of words, you’ll find that your reading experience is all the more enriched for it. Books will wait for you, their pages patient and stories untold, ready to welcome you back with open arms like an old friend.
The good news is that getting out of a reading slump is entirely possible, and often, it just takes a little nudge in the right direction. Let’s explore some easy and enjoyable ways to rekindle your love for reading.
Remember – this is all about rediscovering the joy of reading through a mix of nostalgia, adventure, innovation, and community.
Remember that dog-eared copy of The Hobbit that brought you countless hours of comfort? Dust it off and dive back into the familiar magic. Sometimes, all it takes is a warm dose of nostalgia to make you remember those positive emotional connections and reignite your love for reading.
Feeling adventurous? Step outside your comfort zone and explore uncharted literary territories. You might discover a hidden gem in historical romance or a nail-biting psychological thriller. In my experience, I love searching for my favourite type of character in different genres, instead of sticking solidly to the genre itself.
Maybe you’re not ready to commit a dozen or more hours to one long book or multi-tome series, and that’s totally fine! Reading shorter pieces can feel less daunting and help you ease back into the habit, whether that’s an anthology (or collection) of short stories, or a standalone novella.
Not everyone enjoys the traditional paper-and-ink experience. Switch on an audiobook and let the narrator weave their magic. Imagine curling up with a cup of tea while a soothing voice transports you to another world. Or you could explore graphic novels, where stunning artwork complements the narrative.
Remember, audiobooks and graphic novels are reading. #ISaidWhatISaid
Instead of trying to finish a 100-book Goodreads challenge, why not have some anti-goals? Promise that you’ll DNF (did-not-finish) any book that starts to feel like a chore. Specifically don’t keep mental notes on the next 5 books you read – take away the stress of ‘having’ to write a review. Read the next book you want to, and ignore your very specific TBR-ordered list.
Feeling lost in the literary wilderness? Join a book club or online reading community! Connect with fellow bookworms, share recommendations, and revel in the camaraderie of shared literary experiences. It’s like having your own personal cheering squad for your reading journey. Imagine lively discussions, passionate debates about plot twists, and the joy of discovering new books together.
And on the flip side, don’t be afraid to step away if these communities no longer match your goals or vibe. Our tastes change as we mature as readers, and that’s completely normal!
Related Reading: 10 Steps to Get through Your TBR Pile
Now that you’ve rekindled your love for reading, it’s important to keep the momentum going and avoid falling back into a slump.
Reading should be a joyful escape, not a source of stress. Here are some practical tips to help you maintain a healthy and enjoyable reading habit without burning out (again).
Transform reading into a self-care ritual. Dedicate a specific time and space for it, whether it’s a cosy corner with warm lighting or a picnic blanket under a shady tree. Set realistic goals, like reading a few pages before bed, and celebrate your milestones. Remember, progress, not perfection, is key! You’re creating space for your mind to relax and lose itself in a good story.
Ditch the distractions! Put your phone on silent (and more than an arm’s-reach away), find a comfortable spot, and adjust the lighting for optimal reading comfort. Setting the mood can make all the difference in enhancing your reading experience. Imagine the difference between battling notifications and flickering screens, and immersing yourself in a world of focused tranquillity. I’ll often play some white or pink noise in the background to ward off distractions.
I’m not ashamed to say that I still appreciate a good ‘I deserve it’ moment. Celebrate finishing a book or reaching a reading goal with something you enjoy. Grab a cup of your favourite coffee, take a relaxing bath, or even buy that fancy new bookmark that you’ve been eyeing. The idea is to celebrate small wins with gentle, small rewards to keep that positive reinforcement going strong.
To help you on your quest, here’s a curated selection of our books here at Inspired Quill, spanning multiple genres and themes. Each with the potential to be a worthy companion on your back-to-reading journey.
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